HORAN provides legendary service, employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for both corporate and individual clients.
Since 1948, HORAN has served as a trusted advisor providing legendary service, support and partnership in employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for estate and business planning.
Our Specialities - Employee Benefits Consulting, Financial and Estate Planning, Life and Disability Insurance, Retirement Plan Consulting, Wealth Management, Medicare, Individual Health Benefits, Student insurance, Small Business, Social Security
Campus Health Solutions and Student Insurance Consulting by HORAN-Columbus.pptxHORAN
HORAN provides legendary service, employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for both corporate and individual clients.
Since 1948, HORAN has served as a trusted advisor providing legendary service, support and partnership in employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for estate and business planning.
SERVICE: Employee benefits consulting, wealth management, retirement plan consulting, life and disability insurance, individual health insurance, medicare, student insurance
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
This article is all about what AI trends will emerge in the field of creative operations in 2024. All the marketers and brand builders should be aware of these trends for their further use and save themselves some time!
Campus Health Solutions and Student Insurance Consulting by HORAN-Columbus.pptxHORAN
HORAN provides legendary service, employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for both corporate and individual clients.
Since 1948, HORAN has served as a trusted advisor providing legendary service, support and partnership in employee benefits consulting, wealth management and life insurance for estate and business planning.
SERVICE: Employee benefits consulting, wealth management, retirement plan consulting, life and disability insurance, individual health insurance, medicare, student insurance
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
This article is all about what AI trends will emerge in the field of creative operations in 2024. All the marketers and brand builders should be aware of these trends for their further use and save themselves some time!
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
Everyone is in agreement that ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) will shape the future of work. Yet there is little consensus on exactly how, when, and to what extent this technology will change our world.
Businesses that extract maximum value from ChatGPT will use it as a collaborative tool for everything from brainstorming to technical maintenance.
For individuals, now is the time to pinpoint the skills the future professional will need to thrive in the AI age.
Check out this presentation to understand what ChatGPT is, how it will shape the future of work, and how you can prepare to take advantage.
A brief introduction to DataScience with explaining of the concepts, algorithms, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, statistics, data preprocessing, real-world applications etc.
It's part of a Data Science Corner Campaign where I will be discussing the fundamentals of DataScience, AIML, Statistics etc.
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
Here's my presentation on by proven best practices how to manage your work time effectively and how to improve your productivity. It includes practical tips and how to use tools such as Slack, Google Apps, Hubspot, Google Calendar, Gmail and others.
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
The six step guide to practical project management
If you think managing projects is too difficult, think again.
We’ve stripped back project management processes to the
basics – to make it quicker and easier, without sacrificing
the vital ingredients for success.
“If you’re looking for some real-world guidance, then The Six Step Guide to Practical Project Management will help.”
Dr Andrew Makar, Tactical Project Management
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
During this webinar, Anand Bagmar demonstrates how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be applied to various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) using an eCommerce application case study. Find the on-demand recording and more info at https://applitools.info/b59
Key takeaways:
• Learn how to use ChatGPT to add AI power to your testing and test automation
• Understand the limitations of the technology and where human expertise is crucial
• Gain insight into different AI-based tools
• Adopt AI-based tools to stay relevant and optimize work for developers and testers
* ChatGPT and OpenAI belong to OpenAI, L.L.C.
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
This session highlights best practices and lessons learned for U.S. Bike Route System designation, as well as how and why these routes should be integrated into bicycle planning at the local and regional level.
Presenters:
Presenter: Kevin Luecke Toole Design Group
Co-Presenter: Virginia Sullivan Adventure Cycling Association
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
Has your project been caught in a storm of deadlines, clashing requirements, and the need to change course halfway through? If yes, then check out how the administration team navigated through all of this, relocating 160 people from 3 countries and opening 2 offices during the most turbulent time in the last 20 years. Belka Games’ Chief Administrative Officer, Katerina Rudko, will share universal approaches and life hacks that can help your project survive unstable periods when there seem to be too many tasks and a lack of time and people.
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
Everyone is in agreement that ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) will shape the future of work. Yet there is little consensus on exactly how, when, and to what extent this technology will change our world.
Businesses that extract maximum value from ChatGPT will use it as a collaborative tool for everything from brainstorming to technical maintenance.
For individuals, now is the time to pinpoint the skills the future professional will need to thrive in the AI age.
Check out this presentation to understand what ChatGPT is, how it will shape the future of work, and how you can prepare to take advantage.
A brief introduction to DataScience with explaining of the concepts, algorithms, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, statistics, data preprocessing, real-world applications etc.
It's part of a Data Science Corner Campaign where I will be discussing the fundamentals of DataScience, AIML, Statistics etc.
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
Here's my presentation on by proven best practices how to manage your work time effectively and how to improve your productivity. It includes practical tips and how to use tools such as Slack, Google Apps, Hubspot, Google Calendar, Gmail and others.
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
The six step guide to practical project management
If you think managing projects is too difficult, think again.
We’ve stripped back project management processes to the
basics – to make it quicker and easier, without sacrificing
the vital ingredients for success.
“If you’re looking for some real-world guidance, then The Six Step Guide to Practical Project Management will help.”
Dr Andrew Makar, Tactical Project Management
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
During this webinar, Anand Bagmar demonstrates how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be applied to various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) using an eCommerce application case study. Find the on-demand recording and more info at https://applitools.info/b59
Key takeaways:
• Learn how to use ChatGPT to add AI power to your testing and test automation
• Understand the limitations of the technology and where human expertise is crucial
• Gain insight into different AI-based tools
• Adopt AI-based tools to stay relevant and optimize work for developers and testers
* ChatGPT and OpenAI belong to OpenAI, L.L.C.
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
This session highlights best practices and lessons learned for U.S. Bike Route System designation, as well as how and why these routes should be integrated into bicycle planning at the local and regional level.
Presenters:
Presenter: Kevin Luecke Toole Design Group
Co-Presenter: Virginia Sullivan Adventure Cycling Association
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
Has your project been caught in a storm of deadlines, clashing requirements, and the need to change course halfway through? If yes, then check out how the administration team navigated through all of this, relocating 160 people from 3 countries and opening 2 offices during the most turbulent time in the last 20 years. Belka Games’ Chief Administrative Officer, Katerina Rudko, will share universal approaches and life hacks that can help your project survive unstable periods when there seem to be too many tasks and a lack of time and people.
2. Retirement Plan Consulting
We understand the critical need for a well-managed retirement
plan that maximizes the opportunity for employees to build a
future. Our dedicated team of retirement planning experts
provide insights rooted in industry best-practices throughout
each stage of the process, from plan design to ongoing plan
participant education and engagement.
From implementing plans that drive healthy savings among
employees to providing personalized advisory services to
individuals approaching retirement readiness, HORAN’s
dedicated team is with you every step of the way.
As advisor, our role is clear—we work with your committee,
your plan participants and your chosen recordkeeper to build a
well-designed and well-run plan that best meets the needs of
your workplace culture.
4. Retirement Meditation : Does the balanced fund
belong in an investment line-up?
Author: Paul A. Carl, CHSA, CPFA™Vice President, Retirement Plan Consulting,
Registered Representative
My parents’ families were small business owners, and my parents were incredibly
fiscally conservative. My dad especially, a third-generation stone masonry and
concrete construction business owner, would comment about how hard he worked to
earn money. He worked long hours and we took no family vacations. He literally
worked a 24/7/365 schedule. If he wasn’t on a job site or in the office, he was working
on the books at home or making calls, even on holidays.
As a result of being fiscally conservative and his exposure to the Great Depression,
he favored FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. Reflecting, I guess I intrinsically
absorbed his conservative fiscal nature. I chose a balanced mutual fund, comprised of
both stocks and bonds, as my first investment even though I was in my early twenties
with time on my side. Outside of my own personal investment, I don’t recall balanced
funds being used much in retirement plans at that time.
If I had to pinpoint when the balanced fund began to rise in popularity, I would guess it
coincided with the DOL’s originally published ERISA 404(c) relief for participant
directed investment choices. While that original relief called for diversification through
a stock, a fixed income, and a cash equivalent investment option, I do recall that plan
fiduciaries often adding a balanced fund as an extra option.
The balanced fund gave the plan participant the opportunity to invest in a pre-
allocated investment mix. Whether or not this investment mix was the right mix for
each individual participant, who knew? It was a solution, many argued, that mirrored
the pooled investment accounts of traditional defined benefit pension plans, money
purchase pension plans, and profit sharing-only plans. Each of these were invested in
a one-size-fits-all investment style. Most reflected the comfort of the plans’ primary
fiduciary, who was often the business owner.
It wasn’t too long before asset allocation funds based on risk gained in popularity.
These risk-based asset allocation funds in some cases were nearly identical to the
balanced fund, consisting of individual stocks and bonds allocated towards a specific
risk/return analysis. Some of the risk-based asset allocation funds took on a new look
through a fund-of-funds approach. Regardless, for plan fiduciaries, one of the main
fallacies of the balanced fund was addressed: the risk tolerance concerns specific to
individual participants. Yet, the balance fund persevered.
Today, retirement plan fiduciaries have a buffet of choices available for participants
who seek help allocating their investments. These range from the risk-based and age-
based asset allocation funds to managed models to the traditional balanced fund, and
more.
Does your plan offer the traditional balanced fund?
5.
6. Author: Paul A. Carl, CHSA, CPFA™Vice President, Retirement Plan
Consulting, Registered Representative
For the past several weeks, the Retirement Meditations have been exploring the
more popular options available as Qualified Default Investment Alternatives
(QDIAs) in participant-directed retirement plans. These have included the
traditional balanced fund as well as asset allocation funds that are risk-based and
age-based. Several Retirement Meditations also referenced managed models.
So, what are “managed models?”
Managed models are portfolios of investments actively managed by a professional
money manager. They are generally risk-based but some also have glide-paths. In
a participant-directed plan, the managed models often consist of only those
investment options offered to the participants. This is not exclusive, however.
Some managers incorporate investment funds that are not part of the core
investment lineup in creating their models. Often these investments may be a bit
more sophisticated than should be available to the retirement plan participant.
Unless there is a glide-path associated with the managed model, they are primarily
designed for participants who prefer the “do-it-for-me” approach to investing
retirement assets. Participants choosing managed models are, in effect, hiring
professional money management for their retirement assets. The management
comes with a price that is most often some percentage of the participant’s account
value. That price, by the way, is over and above the traditional fees associated with
the plan and its core investments. These fees can get quite expensive.
While managed models are professionally managed, they may be automated to an
extent through a “robo-advisor” program. Generally, “robo-advisor” programs rely
on asset allocation techniques built through some sophisticated software
technology and methodology. Other managed models are managed by an
investment advisor who is managing the model portfolios in a more traditional
manner.
Regardless, managed models are gaining in popularity as more and more
questions arise regarding the “simplicity” of target date funds and other asset
allocated investments.
Does your plan offer managed models?
Retirement Meditation : What are managed
models?
7.
8. Author: Paul A. Carl, CHSA, CPFA™Vice President, Retirement Plan Consulting,
Registered Representative
In last chapter we defined managed models and we concluded with the question – “Does
my plan offer managed models?”
This week’s Retirement Meditation asks whether a fiduciary should offer managed models
in their participant-directed plan.
A year ago, we were approached by a retirement plan committee to review their plan and
propose our advisory services. The plan had never had an advisor, the committee
preferring a bundled-recordkeeper-direct-approach.
Why the change of heart from the committee?
An employee had questioned why she was 100% invested in the plan’s cash equivalent
option. The committee investigation revealed that the participant had been using the
recordkeeper’s investment management services. The managed model algorithm had
effectively placed her into full stability of balance mode because of several important
factors including her age, her incredible retirement savings history, and her state of
financial retirement preparedness.
Many recordkeepers offer managed models, or the potential to provide managed models.
While this can be a great thing, fiduciaries should be actively aware of the details in and
around the managed model program.
Some of the starter questions:
Is the managed model the QDIA?
Is the managed model a backup QDIA, especially for participants who are entering the
twilight of their career (translation: those aged 50 and older)?
Do participants actively choose a managed account program for themselves?
Is the managed model portfolio advised by an affiliate of the recordkeeper, by an outside
third-party, or by the plan’s advisor?
Are there glidepaths associated with the managed model portfolios? If yes, are they the
correct glidepaths within DOL guidelines?
At the individual participant level, who decides which managed model portfolio is best and
how is that decision arrived at?
What is the fee for the managed model and who is paying that fee?
Managed model portfolios are often a welcome addition to a participant-directed retirement
plan. Just know that the retirement plan fiduciary should be as keenly aware of the nuances
as with all other matters involving the plan.
Which plan participants are using the managed model portfolios your plan is offering?
Retirement Meditation – Should my plan offer
managed models?
10. Author: Paul A. Carl, CHSA, CPFA™Vice President, Retirement Plan
Consulting, Registered Representative
This week I digress from the previous Retirement Meditation cadence. Why? My
fourth (of five children) graduated from college last week. In watching the
ceremonies, my mind drifted: How many new college graduates are thinking about
retirement? Or, at the very least, saving for retirement?
Getting an early start saving for retirement allows individuals to save methodically,
over a long period of time, with the incredible effect of compounding investment
returns. The anxiety of short-term investment markets becomes muted because
long-term, historically, most investment returns have outpaced inflation.
Employee education in the 1990’s through today has focused on retirement
savings accumulation. Examples abound of the 25-year-old who saves
immediately and the colleague who delays saving for 5- to 10-years or longer. In
each illustration, the person starting earliest has a higher account balance at age
65 than the colleague who delays saving. In fact, some of the illustrations go so far
as to have the early saver stop saving for retirement after 20-years. Even in these
illustrations, the early saver – thanks to the investment compounding effect – has a
higher account balance than the delayed saver. Granted, these are hypothetical
illustrations and results will vary. Regardless, here are some solid guidelines for
successful retirement savings:
Defer into your organization’s retirement plan as soon as you’re eligible.
If your organization offers a matching contribution, ensure that you are capturing all
of that employer match.
If you are covered by a high-deductible health plan, save into the health savings
account (HSA).
Do your best to not touch any of these funds you are saving. They carry incredible
tax benefits.
Invest smartly. Remember, if you’re willing to celebrate a +30% annualized return,
you are also indicating that you can accept a negative 30% annualized return.
Investment returns are based on risk. The higher the risk, the greater the potential
for incredible investment gains…and losses.
Let time be your friend.
Even if some or much of your youth has slipped away, still save. You’ll be
delighted with anything you have saved for your future.
When did you start saving for retirement?
Retirement Meditation - When Should I Start
Saving for Retirement?
11.
12. Author: Paul A. Carl, CHSA, CPFA™ Vice President, Retirement Plan
Consulting, Registered Representative
Naming a retirement plan beneficiary is simple, yet many participants do not have
a valid or a current designation on file. Without a valid beneficiary form, the
retirement account will most likely fall to probate with the governing state’s rules
ultimately determining the retirement beneficiary. Without a current designation
form on file, a deceased participant may transfer retirement plan assets to an
unintended beneficiary.
Below are several important considerations:
For qualified retirement plan participants who are married, the spouse must be the
100% primary beneficiary. If the spouse is not the named 100% primary
beneficiary, the spouse must consent to that fact in writing and that consent must
be witnessed by the plan administrator or a notary.
For unmarried participants of a qualified retirement plan, any person can be named
as primary beneficiary.
Selecting multiple primary beneficiaries is perfectly acceptable. However, if the
participant is married, the spouse must consent in writing. Example: Married
participant designates primary beneficiaries as spouse 50% and two children 25%
each. The spouse – even if the children belong to the spouse – must consent to
this designation in writing.
Any person(s) can be named as contingent beneficiary. The contingent beneficiary
is paid if the primary beneficiary has pre-deceased the participant.
When you encounter any major life change, evaluate your retirement plan
beneficiary designations. Marriages, divorces, children may require beneficiary
designation updates.
Seek appropriate professional assistance if you have complex estate matters, such
as high net worth or beneficiaries with special needs.
Designating one or more charities as beneficiary could reduce or eliminate taxes
that would otherwise be imposed on the retirement plan assets. Seek appropriate
professional assistance before naming one or more charities.
Be aware that IRA’s (and life insurance policies) have similar but different rules
than qualified retirement plans.
Without looking – Who is named as your primary beneficiary?
Retirement Meditation : Who should I name as the
beneficiary of my retirement plan account?
13.
14. About us
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For over 70 years, HORAN has served as a trusted advisor and
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With offices in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; and Ft.
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Our integrity, commitment to excellence and industry knowledge
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HORAN
6805 Avery-Muirfield Dr a2
Dublin OH 43016
614-376-0901
https://horanassoc.com/